(Cleveland) - City Council voted Monday to appoint Kenneth Johnson as the Ward 4 council representative. This is the same job that Johnson retired from on Dec. 31.

By retiring and being reappointed, Johnson can collect his retirement and his $74,000 council salary. A heated debate was held over Johnson's "double dipping".

Johnson and Councilman Martin Sweeney said this is a situation which was brought about by changes made to the state pension system by the Ohio Legislature.

Under council rules, Johnson can suggest his successor and he suggested himself. This is the first time a Council member has resigned and sought reappointment since records were kept in 1836. The 65-year-old Johnson was first elected to council in 1980.

Council voted 13-3 with "No" votes coming from Dona Brady, Brian Cummins and Mike Polensek. Zack Reed and Matt Zone were absent from the caucus and did not vote.

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